Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine

Ishikiri Tsurugiya Shrine is one of Osaka’s well-loved shrines and is also known locally as “Ishikiri-san” or “Denbo (swellings) no Kami-san.” It is believed to bring blessings of recovery from illness, and many people come to pray for healing. The shrine is also famous for “ohyakudō-mairi” (a repeated prayer pilgrimage). The name Ishikiri Tsurugiya comes from enshrining a sacred sword and arrow (ya) said to be able to cut through and pierce any rock. Along the approach from the station to the shrine, many traditional Chinese medicine shops and food stores still line the street today. There are also many fortune-telling signs, and the approach is popular for its slightly retro atmosphere. The nearest stations are Kintetsu Nara Line Ishikiri Station (about a 15-minute walk) and Kintetsu Higashi-Osaka Line Shin-Ishikiri Station (about a 7-minute walk). While it is a bit of a walk, you can enjoy shopping along the Ishikiri Sando Shopping Street on the way, making the distance feel shorter. You can also visit by car, but parking is limited, and during festivals and rites long lines may form just to enter the parking area, so public transportation is recommended.